I don't know how many of you knew that Phil Marti, our curmudgeonly, retired IRS knuckle-dragger, had been hospitalized since early March when doctors discovered lung cancer.

I just received the following email from Don Peterson, a friend of Phil's.

(This email is being sent to everyone on Phil's Update Distribution List.)

We are very sad to report that Phil Marti passed away this morning, Wednesday April 16, 2014, shortly before 1:00 a.m.

As you know, Phil had had a series of surgeries and, due to a spinal infarction, had experienced paralysis below the waist. He had been at the National Rehab Hospital in DC, was on a program of physical and occupational therapy and seemed to be doing fine. On Tuesday, however, Phil experienced an extremely high temperature and heart rate and extremely low blood pressure. He was transferred from the National Rehab Hospital to the Washington Hospital Center ER around 11:00 am. Doctors attempted to stabilize him throughout the day, but Phil's body was simply not able to recover. The cause of this very sudden and unexpected situation is not known at this time.

Memorial services to celebrate Phil's life will be held in both DC and Topeka. We will keep you informed of the details as they develop.

Peace to all -- Don Peterson

Even though Phil and I had never met face-to-face, I considered him a friend and will miss his acerbic wit.

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